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This year has been a good one for children’s books. All kinds of books were published this year, all of which covered a wide range of ages thus ensuring that all children were able to get the sort of reading experience they needed. In this modern day and age it is becoming increasingly uncommon for children to just sit down and read, thanks to all of the easily consumable media that is readily available at all times. Here is a list of the top ten children’s books that were release over the past year.

This is a sweet book that talks about the importance of listening to people. It teaches kids how to comfort those around them in the most selfless way possible which is something that the world sorely needs. This is a classic children’s book meant for very young kids and its main lesson is empathy.

This is a more tongue in cheek sort of children’s book, one that is designed to entertain. It has a quirky, oddball feel to it that is sure to make your kids scream with laughter. The medieval setting of the book is also interesting, and adults might find it entertaining as well while reading it to their kids thanks to its self referential humor. The books also talks about a common issue of our time: believing that where you are is better than where everyone else is!

This book is intended for kids that are slightly older. It has a more serious tone to it, and it tells a beautiful story that talks about the importance of helping people in your community. You would be surprised at how often children rely on books to help them deal with their own day to day struggles. This book provides a gorgeous story that can help them do just that.

You might think that the thriller genre is incompatible with children’s literature, but the fact of the matter is that this book can give your kids a good thrill without doing any harm. It is an exciting tale that is full of mystery, and it can give your children a good introduction to the thriller genre overall. Introducing your children to new genres of books is an excellent way to get them interested in reading.

The partition of the subcontinent is one of the most poignant tales of modern history. This book can help kids learn about it while also enjoying a genuinely well written story. One of the best things about this book is the fact that it does not sugarcoat the perils of the time, whilst still managing to stay adequate for children’s reading. This is a fine line to tread, but the author manages to do it brilliantly.

Learning about history is important because it can put our current day to day lives into perspective. Thus, it is important to start teaching kids about history and traditions from a young age. It can be difficult to do so since kids obviously don’t understand complex ideas very well, at least not yet. Hence, using pictures can really help get the information across in a way that would be legitimately useful to your kids. Here are some of the best picture books about history that were released over the past year.

Lighthouses are a common setting for stories because of the fact that they provide such an enchanting backdrop. This book is written in quite an interesting manner. While it is meant for kids between the ages of four and seven, it tells its story in such an interesting way that even adults would end up getting entranced by it.

This book is a must read for anyone that wants to get their kid more in touch with Jewish traditions. It tells the tale of creation from within the Jewish dogma, yet it does not get boring for an instant. Indeed, this book manages to keep things interesting throughout.

This book creates a whimsical world that is sure to delight children all over the world. It focuses on shedding some light on Haitian cultures and traditions which is an extremely important aspect of the Caribbean. Haiti is one of the poorest places in the world, but the people there are still full of life. This book does well to make the whole place sound interesting.

This is one of those classic children’s books that deals with issues that are deceptively simple yet so often end up being difficult even for adults to implement in their day to day lives. This book does a great job of talking about American society in a pluralistic and inclusive manner.

This book has an exotic title, but the story it tells is timeless and beautiful. Meant for slightly older kids that are between ten and twelve years old, and is a great introduction to slightly more mature fiction. This book can help your child move on towards much more adult oriented topics because it will broaden their palette when it comes to the fiction they are reading.

As the world becomes increasingly multicultural, it has become more important than ever for us to look into the various different cultures that comprise our world. In this book we learn about the way the new year is celebrated all across the world which makes it a great book for this time of the year.

Being a teenager is one of the toughest things that anyone has to go through. You don’t have the self assuredness or experience of adulthood just yet, but the idyllic innocence of childhood is slowly but surely fading away. Hence, it becomes more important than ever for the fiction meant for people in these age groups to talk about these struggles. Here are some books that are perfect for young adults that are going through any kind of struggle. All of these books form an important part of the world of young adult literature.

The protagonist of this story is a Dominican American teenager by the name of Xiomara Batista. Her name means “one who is ready for war”, and her personality reflects this kind of mindset. While reading this book teenagers will definitely relate to the struggles that she is going through. Xiomara can be a good role model for young adults.

This book takes place firmly within the modern political context. It is full of real world issues but the main character is a fifteen year old girl who is native to the city of London. Hence, it presents all of these issues within the context of being a teenager which is an important and poignant angle.

This book is an incredible tale of overcoming grief. The protagonist is reeling from the loss of her sister, and she tries to deal with it through music. Young adults frequently go through loss and they don’t know how to cope. This book is all about the struggle they face.

Being a woman in Saudi Arabia is not easy, and this book talks all about that. The two protagonists are teenage girls, and the book talks all about the clash of modernity with traditional family values in a conservative country. It weaves an intriguing narrative that involves a lot of exciting and tense storytelling.

This book is set in South Africa, but the timing matters a lot to. It talks about life in post apartheid South Africa, which was a troubled time in the country’s history due to the sudden change that had just occurred. It talks about a very important perspective: that of a young girl that everyone seems to hate for the very thing she is trying to feel comfortable in: her skin.

Youth culture is becoming diverse and intersectional, and this book shows that this is the case. It tells the story of a protagonist that lives in a working class neighborhood in Oakland, and weaves a lot of modern issues such as that of sexuality and gender into the narrative. It is an important story that is told in a very heartfelt manner.

Release Date: September 8, 2017Rating: 3/5Source:ARC provided for an honest review.Add to Goodreads

A wrong number is supposed to be just that—a wrong number.

Delete. Done.

Do not continue to text. Do not flirt.

A wrong number shouldn’t be the first person on your mind in the morning, or the last at night…and you’re definitely not supposed to talk them into buying a baby goat.

Because that would be weird.

When Zach Hastings and I get into a wrong-number mix-up, we don’t follow the rules. We keep texting and flirting, because he’s wicked funny and perfectly nerdy and a wonderful distraction.

I’m not looking for love, and Zach definitely had the wrong number.

But maybe…

Maybe he’s the right guy.

The naughty cover and premise were great hooks but the material didn’t quite match my expectations. I enjoyed Teagan Hunter’s Here’s To Tomorrow but I am all for honesty here–there’s just many important elements missing in this book.

The male character, Zach, was adorable and I had really laugh out loud moments with his one liners. I also liked Delia’s ballsy and forward personality. And I also admired them for keeping it real and that they weren’t trying to impress each other which to me felt fresh and inviting at first – BUT their chemistry and the romance eventually got diluted by the repetitive banters and over the top sarcasms. In effect, I didn’t see depth from these characters.

Their conversations revolved around the superficial and I completely understand that they were getting to know each other first but there comes a point when a reader needs more than chats about a goat, TV shows and what they’re munching on.

I got more and more interested with the secondary characters. Caleb, Zoe and Robbie brought the house down. I was also expecting Zach to man up and settle the conflict but it was the secondary character, Caleb who figured everything out, fixed and settled the issues. Zach knew what happened, he did a number on the antagonist, but it was Caleb’s actions that got more limelight.

I don’t know if I missed it, but the setting was nowhere to be found. What state are they from? Are they in Georgia? South Carolina? New York? I needed a little some some for world building. The conflict came in a slightly late for me too and naturally the last chapters just felt rushed.

To me the biggest deficiency–Zach didn’t even utter the three magical words. If I overlooked it, somebody please notify me. No “I love you”, “I’m in love with you”, “you are my love”. I can’t settle for a wink or double meanings.

I think Teagan Hunter can be awesome writing male POVs. Zach’s timing was funny and had me grinning like a high school girl! There were highs from the laugh out loud, sweet and cute moments; but the lows were more prominent in this standalone. I feel bad that Let’s Get Textual didn’t work for me. It’s just me maybe. I am a lover of romantic comedy and I am all for hilarious moments but at the end of the day I need to catch the feels!

Three centuries ago, Molly Darling’s ancestors signed a contract in blood—daemon blood—to protect themselves from harm. On the eve she turns nineteen, Molly leaves for her birthday party against her parent’s wishes, sick of their warnings about her “betrothal to a demon.”

Except that she’s very much betrothed, and he’s very much a demon—one who’s only agreed to the nuptials to steal Molly’s ancient daemon powers. Brash, arrogant, and built like a Greek god, Tensley Knight keeps showing up to save Molly from otherworldly attacks, only to insult her a moment later.

As Molly learns more about the demon world, she realizes two things: that her family’s safety depends on a successful marriage, while any chance of freedom she’ll ever have calls for Tensley’s demise.

Yet sometimes Molly spots a tortured soul beyond those liquid grey eyes, and there’s no denying the way her skin tingles when Tensley touches it. In Vein of Love, safety requires sacrifice, foe becomes lover, and one must decide whether to kiss…or to kill.

I want to be candid here. I held off reading this book for the reason that Paranormal Romance is not my go to genre. There’s that hesitation that maybe I couldn’t relate to the characters and the underworld feel of it all. It is indeed true that change is good because Vein of Love turned out to be one entertaining read for me.

Others might disagree, but I loved its unhurried pacing. I crave reading slow burning romances and this definitely falls along that line. My only concern was some parts were a little repetitive. But if you’re going to ask me if I was bored in between the crucial parts? No I was not. The chapters were short but established the important facets of the story. For an action-packed and thrilling story, R. Scarlett’s writing was understated and welcoming. I also found it noteworthy that she balanced the heavy elements with frisky banters and genuine inner monologues making the characters more relatable and earthly.

Molly Darling was tenacious as hell but to me that personality of hers heightened the tension conflict wise. Let’s face it multiple times she was thoughtless and naive. But past that she’s sensitive, sees what is good, and unyielding in her pursuit to protect the people she loves. One strong and authentic heroine with power so promising. Yes Ma’am!

Daddy I’ve fallen for a monster! Tensley Knight, even from the beginning, was enigmatic. I loved him cunning, his authoritativeness and his oozing sex appeal. Those moments when he’d heal Molly? Sweet and sexy! When he spoke Italian and displayed his strengths during the fight scenes? Swoon! I loved his relentless desire to keep Molly. Sometimes I wanted to shout at his gorgeous face – Just mark her already you wuss!!! But then really where’s the fun in that if they rush it?

While Molly was clouded by her fears, Tensley was cautious because of his deeper provocations and his family’s pasts. The animosity, volleying insults and the sexual tension that grew between Molly and Tensley were great foreplays making Vein of Love a certified romance in my books! I loved the anticipation and the drawn out parts where the MCs burning hostility slowly intertwined with their growing attraction for each other, then slowly to more.

Another element that balanced the tone of the story were the secondary characters specifically Illya and September who brought in the affection and the friendship. There was glitz, glamour and illicitness. There were gory parts but there were carefree moments too.

Vein of Love had a test the waters vibe at the beginning but gradually turned into this addictive prelude to an epic series. And to me the beauty of it all? There’s so much to look forward to from the characters and the plot. There’s so much more to obsess about. This is R. Scarlett’s debut novel, book one of the Blackest Gold series – who would have thought right?

It starts with a stolen kiss under an English sky, and it ends with a walk down the aisle.

It starts with the President sending his best friend to woo me on his behalf, and it ends with my heart split in two.

It starts with buried secrets and dangerous desires…and ends with the three of us bound together with a hateful love sharper than any barbed wire.

My name is Greer Galloway, and I serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States.

This is the story of an American Queen.

American Queen was an out-of-body reading experience. Mind over matter. It was filth wrapped in sophistication. All the literature and religious references made it all the more alluring, add to that the hypnotizing power play, multiple layers and revelations. And I am giving this book a resounding five stars mainly because the story and most especially the characters on their own made me ponder and go outside of the box. How does this guttural relationship work? How in the world does this kind of carnality translate to the so called true love? And why did it trigger so much in me as a reader? I cursed a lot and threw tantrums while reading this book. I was sorry for Greer, for Ash for Embry. It was just this massive emotion filled with so many underneath that I can’t explain. I felt ashamed of myself at the same time I felt like one learned, classy reader. And the love that resonated amongst the characters was something I still can’t fathom, but really, I couldn’t even question it because I felt it. Their love was piercing and inclusive. How Sierra Simone made it happen, I don’t even know. The genius that she is pushed me to go over and beyond my limit and by god she was successful. I know there’s more to unravel, more domination and submission, more monstrosities, more unbelievable hotness. I can’t wait to dig deeper into this series I have dubbed as insanity. Drop everything else, be brave and read this!

Eli Crane is one tough bastard. After an explosion left him injured and honorably discharged from the Marines, all he wants is to be left alone. Yet his brothers insist he take a greater role in the family business. They’ve hired him ten personal assistants—and Eli sent each one packing as fast as possible. But when beautiful number eleven walks through the door, Eli will do anything to make her stay.

Isabella Sawyer’s employment agency can’t afford to lose Eli Crane’s business. Her plan: to personally take on the role of his PA, and secure her reputation with the wealthy elite in Chicago. But this beauty and her hot billionaire bad boy soon find themselves mixing business with pleasure in the most delicious ways. And passionate, stubborn Isabella won’t rest until she tames this wicked beast . . .

I had a lot of fun reading about the Crane brothers. I fell in love with Reese the moment I met him, Tag made me LOL and Eli just made a space exclusive for himself in my heart.

Elijah Crane is back to the civilian life after being honorably discharged from the Marines. He lost his two brothers, his one leg and along the way his will to live a normal life. That’s why Reese sent him PAs after PAs to prep him for the work of COO at Crane Hotels. Only, he fired all of them, each running away real quick with rage and tears because of his grumpy attitude. Until Isabella Sawyer, owner of Sable Concierge where all the Eli’s PAs were from. Isa knew she had to take over and set this Eli straight because she needed the promotion from Crane Hotels for her business to boom. But not when Eli fires each PA she sent his way. Isa knew how to handle people like Eli. What she wasn’t prepared for was the clear attraction hovering them.

Believe me when I say Eli just met his match with Isa. She didn’t put up with his bullshit and I applaud her for keeping her head high despite Eli’s sulky moods. She’s the character you can’t help but admire because of her strength and dedication to her work. Even after running away from her parents because they seemed to be more after their social status than supporting their daughter, Isa came out to be independent and confident woman.

I sighed in contentment when Eli opened up more to Isa and vice versa. I’ve viewed Eli from a different lens after learning his past, his persistence to be in the now, his fear that he doesn’t measure up therefore pushing Isa away. My heart ached for Eli because it’s like the weight of the world is in shoulder. It didn’t help that the wife of his lost brother wasn’t in speaking terms to him. This made Eli guiltier that he lived instead of him. Underneath all that grumpiness is a heart of gold. He put up a charity to accommodate the needs of wounded military men in their home. He was totally sweet and caring when it came to Isabella, which was surprising because I never thought he could be like that.

I’ve been meaning to give this five stars because the start of the story was really engaging, not over the top with just enough heat, fun and a little drama. I really, really love how they push and pull each other’s buttons. But the plot line (Isa’s parents) in the beginning could’ve been explored more to avoid the repetition of events. The ending felt a little too flat and rushed that the epilogue has gone missing. The book ended at 91% when I really thought there should be more.

Overall, I liked this book and its unpredictability (regarding the characters) and it was so lovely to be reunited with the Crane brothers. (They’re still fun, thoughtful, and so very in love.)

Release Date: December 6, 2016Rating: 3/5I volunteered to review an ARC.Add to Goodreads

Let’s say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again.
Until ten years later.
Now, it turns out he’s the ONLY ONE in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available the night of my charity’s gala.
The trouble is, he doesn’t recognize me.
***
This woman I’m working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I’m captivated and I can’t get her out of my mind. Even if it’s risky to tango with someone I’m working with, she’s a risk I’m willing to take.
The trouble is, she won’t give me the time of day.
But I’m determined to change that.

THE ONLY ONE is a standalone novella following characters first introduced in THE SEXY ONE (Gabriel) and WELL HUNG (Penny).

It’s been ten years since Penny had the best days of her life in Spain with Gabriel. After being stood up on the day they were suppose to meet, Penny guarded herself and moved on from that devastating day and Gabriel himself. But fate had a weird way to turn things around. Ten years later, she’s moved on, established and now at his own restaurant in New York for a proposal regarding an event for animal rescue. Yes, her one and only Gabriel owns the place but surprise, he didn’t even recognize her.

This novella is all sort of short and sweet—generally. It’s a second-chance romance between a love lost but found again.

I liked that Gabriel cared so much for his family and the man seriously had mad talent in the kitchen. He wouldn’t be tagged sexy chef for nothing. He’s persistent, thoughtful, sweet and filthy at the same time, but also kind of stupid in a way? While Gabriel loved to cook, Penny loved dogs. That’s why after deciding corporate work wouldn’t do it for her, she started working for an animal shelter and didn’t look back. Penny took the fall hard when Gabriel didn’t show up on their date ten years ago but the girl did know how to stand up and walk again because she had to. She’s determined and driven.

I am not fond of the miscommunication plot of the story because I don’t think it’s mature. There are many loopholes on that. It’s also kind of unbelievable that after three days of them having sex (no getting to know you’s), Penny knew she loved the guy? I mean, girl, already? After giving him her virginity, she fell in love already? I don’t think a three-day fling would mean that much. And after they got together and worked out their issues from the past, while they’re having sex they finally admitted their feelings for each other? I’m sorry but I think that’s just sex talking. It could have been better if the confession of feelings happened at least after they worked out their sexual tension and while they’re having a heartfelt discussion of them being together. The jealousies from both parties didn’t seem so understandable as well because of the huge ten year gap that happened in between them. You couldn’t really blame anyone if they tried dating others, right?

Lauren did something at the start of the book that didn’t work for me. The flashback in a flashback was confusing and I felt a little lost in getting the hang of it in the beginning. Perhaps just concentrate on one thing? Flashback if flashback, not flashback if not flashback.

Overall, I think the book was just fine. It was paced well and Lauren’s writing was always enjoyable. This may be one of her books that carries light drama and romantic emotions. The main and sub plots could have improved a little better to be believable, the characters could have been more rational. Despite that, I think their relationship was bordering on sweet because of the little things they’ve remembered from way back and on passionate because of their intense feelings for each other. And that fate had planned things better for them because they had to be better themselves first.

Author: Claire ContrerasRelease Date: October 10, 2016Rating: 3.5/5Source: ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.Add to Goodreads

I’m naturally gifted on the field and between the sheets. With flashy cars and enough media attention to put the Royal Family to shame, I’m the definition of Most Eligible Bachelor.

I’ve never met a man who doesn’t want to be me or a woman who doesn’t want to tame me. Until I meet Camila.

From the moment I lay eyes on her, I know I have to have her.

She wants to keep me at arm’s length.
I want her naked in my bed.

She thinks our worlds are too different.
All I want her to think about is screaming my name.

She says I’m bad news.

I have three weeks to prove her wrong.

This was my first Claire Contreras book and I have to admit that I was absolutely stunned by the way she wrote this story. It’s funny, kind of poetic but packs so much emotion.

Warren “War Zone” Silva is the god of pro football. Like David Beckham level. Not only he’s very good at his game, hell it’s his life, but he’s also loaded, and beds every woman he wants. And he’s not sorry about it. One trip back to his hometown in New York in the name of Camila Avila changes everything for him. Camila Avila is the complete opposite of Warren. Her student loans are sky-high, her relationship with her family is tainted and she has no time for Warren’s chase. But someone like him couldn’t be ignored and soon Camila finds herself agreeing to go out with Warren. Only, time is ticking for him to come back to Manchester where his life is.

I really liked how early Claire set Warren and Camila’s chemistry in the story. It was instant for Warren, yes, and his main goal was to get her in his bed. But Claire balanced it out with Camila’s persistence to not let Warren get his way with her. For one, she doesn’t even know he’s famous or he is for that matter. And two, Camila didn’t like that Warren was one of the stockholders of the building she’s living in and that will be abolished because of their urban development plans. I loved Camila’s character in the beginning of the story. She’s simple, observant, strong, smarta$$ and can perfectly resist Warren’s charm—thank you very much. I liked that she didn’t just give in to him instantly. Like she really let him sweat it out. And I totally admired her for that. However, she turned to be so confusing to me towards the end. And I ended up just saying “okay not bad, but not very good either”.

As for Warren, I know I’m in the minority when I say he’s just meh for me. There was a trigger in the beginning that clued me in as to how he’d be for the duration of the story. Sure, he’s driven, unapologetic bastard who gets his way every time but there’s really something about him that rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe because he blatantly told Camila his end game? And that pissed me off to no end. I know that’s pretty expected but still, personal preference.

For the story itself, I was impressed that it had everything. The broken family (parents) ties of the characters, the presence of their siblings and the secondary characters and the writing that gave it more depth that I’d have expected. The book was hot in all the right places, had the football thing and fame that came with it down pat, nothing was rushed nor dragged out and ended wonderfully in a do-over kind of way.

Welcome

Hi! We are April, Jellie, Kcee and Sheryl and we are The Reading Belles! We love reading romance fiction with swoony men paired with strong women. Yes, we too just like you, love the perfect blend of drama and comedy topped with a dash or a mouthful of risqué!

The books we review are usually the ones we buy and sometimes include early copy from authors/publishers. This doesn’t affect our reviews in any way. We don’t earn anything from what we do aside from emotional fulfilment and blissful feelings after reading/reviewing what we love.